The world of blockchain and digital assets continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with major developments unfolding across exchanges, stablecoins, financial infrastructure, and real-world applications. From legacy financial institutions integrating distributed ledger technology to governments adopting blockchain for public projects, the ecosystem is maturing in both scope and sophistication. This article explores recent key events shaping the industry — including the end of an era for Bitcoin futures on traditional markets, new stablecoin issuances, and growing institutional adoption.
Chicago Options Exchange Ends Bitcoin Futures Era
In a notable shift for institutional crypto trading, the Chicago Options Exchange (Cboe) will cease its Bitcoin futures operations on June 19. The exchange will settle its final contract on that date, marking the conclusion of its foray into cryptocurrency derivatives.
Launched in December 2017, Cboe’s Bitcoin futures were among the first regulated crypto derivatives available to traditional investors. Their debut was seen as a milestone in legitimizing digital assets within mainstream finance. However, despite initial enthusiasm, trading volumes failed to sustain long-term momentum.
👉 Discover how evolving market dynamics are reshaping crypto derivatives trading.
While Cboe pioneered institutional access to Bitcoin price exposure, competitors like CME Group have since dominated the futures landscape with stronger liquidity and broader market participation. Cboe's exit reflects ongoing consolidation in the crypto derivatives space — where only platforms with deep order books and global reach can thrive.
This move doesn’t signal waning interest in Bitcoin but rather a maturation process. As demand shifts toward more efficient vehicles such as spot ETFs and perpetual swaps on crypto-native exchanges, legacy models are being reevaluated.
Tether Expands USDT Supply on Ethereum Network
Stablecoin giant Tether has increased its ERC-20 USDT supply by 150 million tokens, according to data from blockchain analytics firm PeckShield. The minting occurred at Ethereum block height 7,936,931, bringing the total circulation of USDT on Ethereum to over 800 million tokens.
This issuance underscores continued demand for dollar-pegged stablecoins in decentralized ecosystems. USDT remains one of the most widely used stablecoins for trading, lending, and cross-border transfers across centralized and decentralized platforms.
Why This Matters:
- Liquidity Support: New USDT issuance often precedes increased trading activity or DeFi protocol growth.
- Transparency: All minting events are publicly verifiable on-chain, reinforcing trust in supply integrity.
- Market Confidence: Regular audits and controlled expansions help maintain peg stability during volatile periods.
As Ethereum-based financial applications grow, so does the need for reliable, scalable stablecoins. Tether’s expansion aligns with rising usage in decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending protocols, and cross-chain bridges.
Visa Leverages DLT for Global B2B Payments
Global payments leader Visa has officially launched Visa B2B Connect, a cross-border payment network designed specifically for corporate transactions. Initially rolled out to 30 financial institutions, the system leverages Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to enable near-instant settlement between businesses.
Unlike traditional correspondent banking — which can take days and involve multiple intermediaries — Visa B2B Connect streamlines international transfers with greater transparency and speed.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced settlement time from days to hours
- Enhanced traceability through shared ledger infrastructure
- Lower operational costs for banks and enterprises
While not fully decentralized, the integration of DLT highlights how traditional finance is selectively adopting blockchain innovations to improve efficiency.
Lightning Labs Unveils Watchtowers Update
Lightning Labs, a leading developer of Bitcoin’s Layer 2 scaling solution, is preparing to roll out a major upgrade: Watchtowers.
First conceptualized in the 2015 Lightning Network whitepaper, Watchtowers are designed to protect users against fraud when transacting off-chain. If one party attempts to broadcast an outdated channel state to steal funds, the Watchtower automatically detects the breach and submits the correct transaction to reclaim assets.
This enhancement significantly improves security for users who may not be online 24/7 — making the Lightning Network more accessible and resilient.
With this update, Bitcoin moves closer to becoming a viable infrastructure for fast, low-cost micropayments globally.
Institutional Developments: Silvergate Bank and Fireblocks Funding
Silvergate Bank Faces Challenges Amid Declining Crypto Deposits
Silvergate Capital Corporation, a key banking partner for cryptocurrency firms, has reported declining deposits from digital asset clients for the second consecutive quarter. The drop stems primarily from reduced balances held by exchange partners.
Additional concerns include:
- Shrinking interest-earning assets
- Management instability following the CFO’s departure
- Lingering regulatory scrutiny from past enforcement actions
Despite these headwinds, analysts note Silvergate’s strong client relationships and strategic positioning in the crypto ecosystem suggest long-term potential remains intact.
Fireblocks Secures $16M in A Round Led by Fidelity Backer
On a more positive note, Fireblocks, a platform securing digital asset transfers across exchanges, custodians, and wallets, has raised $16 million in Series A funding. Investors include Eight Roads (Fidelity International’s venture arm), Cyberstarts, Tenaya Capital, and participation from Galaxy Digital and Genesis Global Trading.
The platform uses secure multi-party computation (MPC) to eliminate private key exposure during transactions — a critical advancement in institutional-grade security.
👉 Learn how cutting-edge custody solutions are enabling safer institutional crypto adoption.
Real-World Blockchain Adoption Gains Momentum
Shenzhen Launches Blockchain-Powered P2P Lending Exit System
Shenzhen has become the first city in China to implement a blockchain-based voting system for P2P lending platforms undergoing orderly shutdowns. Developed by the Shenzhen Internet Finance Association, the system enables affected investors to vote on recovery plans securely and transparently.
Technologies integrated include:
- Facial recognition for identity verification
- Blockchain for tamper-proof recordkeeping
- AI-powered voice calling for user notifications
By ensuring each vote is authenticated and immutable, the platform prevents impersonation and manipulation — critical factors in high-stakes financial resolutions.
Xiong’an New Area Implements Blockchain for Park Project Funding
In another public-sector application, Xiong’an New Area has mandated the use of a blockchain fund management platform for the construction of Yue Rong Park. All financial flows throughout the project lifecycle must be recorded on-chain.
Additionally, building information modeling (BIM) data will be integrated into the city’s urban information model (CIM) platform — creating a fully digital twin of infrastructure development.
These initiatives demonstrate how governments are leveraging blockchain not just for transparency, but for end-to-end accountability in large-scale public investments.
Industry Recognition: Two Blockchain Firms Named in Forbes China Innovation List
At the 2019 Forbes China Innovation Summit, two blockchain companies — Bubi Blockchain and Qulian Technology — were recognized among the “Most Innovative Enterprises in China.” The list highlights 50 companies across 14 sectors driving technological disruption.
Their inclusion reflects growing recognition of blockchain’s role beyond speculation — particularly in enterprise solutions, supply chain tracking, and secure data sharing.
Market Expansion and Investment Activity
Most Caffeine Ltd Raises $50M to Expand ABS Chain into Middle East
Blockchain firm Most Caffeine Ltd has secured $50 million from a major Saudi investment group to expand its ABS Chain into the Middle East. The partnership aims to deliver data security solutions tailored for Arab markets.
This investment signals increasing interest in blockchain adoption across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations — where digital transformation is a national priority.
Telegram Gram Token Sale via Liquid Exchange
Crypto exchange Liquid announced it will conduct a public sale of Telegram’s Gram tokens starting July 10. Users can purchase using USD or USDC. Notably, Liquid is not directly partnered with Telegram; instead, it will list tokens held by Gram Asia, claiming to be Asia’s largest Gram holder.
While anticipation around Telegram’s blockchain project remains high, regulatory uncertainty lingers following SEC actions against similar token sales.
Executive Insights:孙宇晨and Zilliqa Respond to Industry Rumors
Sun Yuchen: Bridging Crypto and Traditional Finance
TRON founder Sun Yuchen commented on his upcoming charity lunch with Warren Buffett, stating that convincing Buffett to invest in crypto within three hours would be unrealistic. Instead, he views the event as an opportunity to educate traditional investors about blockchain’s potential.
Zilliqa Denies Facebook Stablecoin Collaboration
Zilliqa has firmly denied rumors suggesting Facebook’s stablecoin would launch on its network. The team has repeatedly clarified on Twitter that no collaboration exists with Facebook on any project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is Cboe shutting down its Bitcoin futures?
A: Despite being first-to-market, Cboe struggled to maintain competitive trading volumes compared to rivals like CME. Lower liquidity made it unsustainable long-term.
Q: Is Tether’s new USDT issuance bullish for crypto markets?
A: Often yes — new USDT supply typically fuels trading activity and liquidity injections into exchanges and DeFi platforms.
Q: What problem do Lightning Network Watchtowers solve?
A: They protect users from fraud when offline by monitoring channels and automatically penalizing dishonest parties.
Q: How does blockchain improve P2P lending exits?
A: It ensures transparent, secure voting with verified identities — reducing manipulation risks during sensitive financial transitions.
Q: Are stablecoins like USDT safe?
A: While widely used, their safety depends on issuer transparency and reserve backing. Regular audits enhance trust but don’t eliminate counterparty risk entirely.
Q: Can governments benefit from blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies?
A: Absolutely — use cases include transparent budgeting, anti-corruption tracking, secure voting systems, and smart infrastructure management.